Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Practice Partners; Hiawatha (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Pet discount

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

Petersen Pet Hospital in Hiawatha, Iowa is seeking a full-time Veterinary Assistant to support veterinarians, technicians, and staff in delivering high-quality animal care. Expect a comprehensive benefits package and a collaborative, pet-centered team.

The position involves assisting with examinations and procedures, preparing rooms, handling animals, and communicating with pet owners. Schedule is 36–40 hours weekly, with every other Saturday.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with animals in a veterinary setting preferred.
• Technical know-how in disinfection, administering medication, and using diagnostic equipment preferred.
• Physical ability to handle animals safely and compassionately preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians and vet techs during examinations, treatments, and surgeries
• Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately
• Prepare examination rooms and surgical areas by cleaning and sterilizing equipment and surfaces
• Perform basic laboratory tests, such as collecting blood, urine, and stool samples
• Administer medications and vaccinations under the supervision of a veterinarian
• Feed, bathe, and exercise animals as needed
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Communicate with pet owners about their pets’ care, treatment plans, and follow-up visits
• Clean and maintain the clinic, including stocking supplies and ensuring a safe and sanitary environment

Skills

Animal handling

Medical equipment familiarity

Client communication

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Disinfection techniques

Job description

Petersen Pet Hospital is hiring a full-time Vet Assistant to work alongside our team of experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and devoted support staff to ensure each animal receives the best possible care during their stay with us. If you are enthusiastic, reliable, and excited about helping us maintain our high standards of animal care and customer service, we would love to hear from you!

What to Expect

As you join our team, expect to be supported in your work and home life with:

• All the benefits you deserve—medical, dental, vision, retirement—plus an employee pet discount because we know your pets are family, too.
• Paid time off- Catch your breath with paid holidays and PTO. Take the time you need to recharge
• 401(k) with a generous company We invest in your future while you care for our pets today.

Salary:

From $14 an hour

Schedule:

36-40 hours per week, including every other Saturday

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist veterinarians and vet techs during examinations, treatments, and surgeries
• Handle and restrain animals safely and compassionately
• Prepare examination rooms and surgical areas by cleaning and sterilizing equipment and surfaces
• Perform basic laboratory tests, such as collecting blood, urine, and stool samples
• Administer medications and vaccinations under the supervision of a veterinarian
• Feed, bathe, and exercise animals as needed
• Maintain accurate medical records
• Communicate with pet owners about their pets’ care, treatment plans, and follow-up visits
• Clean and maintain the clinic, including stocking supplies and ensuring a safe and sanitary environment

Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with animals in a veterinary setting preferred
• Technical know-how in areas such as disinfection, administering medication, and using diagnostic equipment preferred
• Physical ability to handle animals safely and compassionately preferred

About Petersen Pet Hospital

Petersen Pet Hospital in Hiawatha, Iowa is a beautiful, progressive, 8 doctor small animal practice. We are AAHA Accredited, Fear Free, pocket pet friendly upscale practice with an old-fashioned ethic of kindness, quality and caring. Our doctors and team are dedicated to making a visit to our practice a low stress event for our patients and their owners and our client testimonials attest to our success. Led by Dr. Petersen, Dr. Saunders and Dr. McGinty, our veterinarians are well educated and experienced. Most of all, they simply love animals. They are backed by a skilled support team that is friendly and enthusiastic.